What will taking part mean for you and your family?

We are looking for 800 women who are not yet 34 weeks pregnant who live in Dunedin or Invercargill. If you are currently pregnant then a letter will be sent to you from the POI.nz researchers when you are 28 weeks pregnant inviting you to participate in the study so we can try to answer questions that could benefit all New Zealanders. If after reading the information, you decide you do not want to participate in the study there will be a phone number with an answering machine for you to ring and let us know. The letter will be followed by a phone call from one of our researchers after about two weeks to answer any questions you might have and to arrange a meeting with you.

If you do not receive a letter when you are about 28 weeks pregnant and would like to participate or, want more information on the POI.nz study, please contact one of our research team (please see our contact list).

Can participants change their mind and withdraw from the study?

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary (your choice). The women we contact do not have to take part in this study, and if they choose not to take part they will receive the usual Standard Well Child Care. However we hope families will help us address important questions that could improve children’s health and all New Zealanders’ well-being.

Participants are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without having to give a reason and this is without any disadvantage to them of any kind.
Participation in this study will be stopped should any harmful effects appear.